Marginalized communities often remain excluded from the digital revolution due to socio-economic and structural barriers. This study employs a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design in Jharkhand, India, to investigate antecedents of digital technology adoption in tribal and remote populations. In the qualitative phase, 36 in-depth interviews with government officials, village heads, and community members informed the adaptation of survey instruments to the local context. The quantitative phase analyzed 401 respondents, using exploratory factor analyses, followed by regression modelling and moderation analysis. Results indicate that robust digital infrastructure (e.g., reliable internet and electricity) and supportive government policies significantly enhance digital adoption. In contrast, local socio-cultural factors show a nuanced influence – not directly predicting adoption on average – but become highly significant when moderated by socio-economic background. Higher socio-economic status amplifies the positive effects of infrastructure and culturally relevant content on adoption, while low status can dampen these effects. By integrating the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) with social exclusion and cultural frameworks, the study reveals a complex interplay between infrastructure, policy, culture, and socio-economic conditions. The findings inform theory by extending UTAUT2 with a socio-economic moderator and guide policymakers toward more inclusive, context-sensitive digital interventions.